What's Your Opinion?

Responses compiled and photographed by Bill O'Neill

Question: The U.S. Mint recently revealed it costs more than a cent to produce a single penny due to higher metal costs. Therefore, there's talk once again about phasing out the penny from our currency over a five-year period. Do you agree or disagree?

"I agree. They should phase it out. It's just a penny. There's no need to waste money."
Jennifer Santiago, Canarsie"I disagree. Pennies are needed. You go into a store and owe 21 or 26 cents. Pennies are needed, so they should keep them around."
Nakeea Nelson, Canarsie"I disagree. I think the penny is valuable. You need that one cent to get your change. I don't think it's right. You need your change."
Milquis Flores, Canarsie"I guess there should always be pennies around. It comes in handy. You always need that kind of currency to give change. I don't know if they're going to bring back the steel pennies again. But there is always a use for pennies."
Sheldon Steinberg, Canarsie